Clover wants to put Christ in his place

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Christianity will play a more prominent role in this year's City
of Sydney Christmas decorations.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has announced details of the
decorations, with emphasis on a Christian message.

Last year Ms Moore came under heavy criticism for Sydney's
decorations and her comment that the city had more than 200
nationalities, not all Christian. But this year she is spending
more than $1.5 million on Christmas cheer.

"Christmas in Sydney should have an Australian theme and a
Christian message," Ms Moore said.

"It is a spiritual and religious festival and the real
importance of the season is generating peace and goodwill and
caring about everyone in our community."

There will be Christmas trees in Martin Place, and new trees in
Pitt Street Mall, St Mary's Cathedral forecourt and beside St
Andrew's Cathedral at Sydney Square. Banners will be hung
throughout the city and new decorations will be put in Pitt Street
Mall, on the Sydney Town Hall and Customs House.

The towering brickpit chimneys at Sydney Park at St Peters will
be decorated and fairy lights will be strung in trees in city
parks. A series of free family concerts will be held.

"We have discussed Christmas based entertainment with St Mary's
and St Andrew's cathedrals, to take place in St Mary's forecourt
and Sydney Square respectively," Ms Moore said.

In the spirit of giving, Meals on Wheels hampers and Christmas
lunches for the disadvantaged have been included in the
celebrations.

"David Jones is discussing with us its annual Christmas concert
in Hyde Park and its storefront windows," Ms Moore said. "We are in
discussion with Westfield about sponsorship of Christmas
projections in Martin Place and investigating options with
Myer."

Better decorations would be put in parts of southern Sydney,
which reflected the City's growth since its amalgamation with South
Sydney Council, Ms Moore said.